CN114761695A

CN114761695A - Flanged bearings, assemblies, and methods of making and using the same

Info

Publication number: CN114761695A
Application number: CN202080079836.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李格格; 苏开波; 汉斯-于尔根·耶格尔; 扬·弗吕格
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Performance Plastics Corp
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Performance Plastics Corp
Priority date: 2019-12-06
Filing date: 2020-12-04
Publication date: 2022-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-04
Also published as: BR112022010840A2; CN114761695B; JP2023504771A; WO2021113599A1; EP4069987A1; KR20220099122A; MX2022006863A; EP4069987A4; US20210172475A1; US11873861B2; CA3162276A1

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a bearing, comprising: a sidewall comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material, the sidewall further comprising: a generally cylindrical body; and a flange abutting an axial end of the generally cylindrical body and extending therefrom, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange comprises a multi-walled construction comprising a plurality of flange sidewalls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewalls or the flange comprise outward and inward conductive regions.

Description

Flanged bearings, assemblies, and methods of making and using the same

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to bearings, and in particular to sliding bearings having at least one of a flange or a multi-layered bearing sidewall, and methods of producing and assembling the same.

Bearings typically provide a sliding interface between mating components. The bearing may comprise a low friction material engaged between two or more components which are movable relative to each other in the assembly. Further, some bearings include a flange bearing that includes one or two flanges. The bearings may be used in components for automotive industry applications such as door, hood and engine compartment hinges, seats, steering columns, flywheels, balance shaft bearings, etc., as well as for non-automotive applications. These hinge assemblies may include coatings including, but not limited to, paint coatings that may be accomplished by electrocoating or other methods. In certain areas, bearings and other components in the hinge assembly may include gaps that may result in excessive coating, thereby causing corrosion and debris/contamination in the hinge assembly. Thus, despite the advances made in the art, there remains a need for improved bearings having longer service life, higher efficiency, better corrosion protection, and better overall performance within the assembly.

Drawings

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a step-by-step manufacturing process;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a layer structure of a bearing according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a layer structure of a bearing according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a bearing according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a radial cross-sectional view of a bearing according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3C is an illustration of a radial cross-sectional view of a bearing according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a bearing within an assembly according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a bearing within an assembly according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a bearing within an assembly according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a bearing within an assembly in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a bearing within an assembly according to various embodiments;

skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Detailed Description

The following description in conjunction with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and examples of the present teachings. This emphasis is provided to aid in the description of the teachings and should not be construed as limiting the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments may be used based on the teachings disclosed in this patent application.

The terms "consisting of," "comprising," "including," "containing," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. In addition, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or" unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, any one of the following may satisfy condition a or B: a is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), a is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both a and B are true (or present).

Also, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. Unless clearly indicated otherwise, such description should be understood to include one, at least one, or the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa. For example, when a single embodiment is described herein, more than one embodiment may be used in place of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than one embodiment is described herein, a single embodiment may be substituted for the more than one embodiment.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Many details regarding specific materials and processing regimes are common and can be found in textbooks and other sources within the bearing and bearing assembly arts, with respect to aspects not described herein.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 includes a diagram illustrating a manufacturing method 10 for forming a bearing. The manufacturing method 10 may include a first step 12 of providing a base material, a second step 14 of coating the base material with a low friction coating to form a composite material, and a third step 16 of forming the composite material into a bearing.

Referring to the first step 12, the base material may be a substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate may at least partially comprise a metal support. According to certain embodiments, the metal support may comprise iron, copper, titanium, bronze, tin, nickel, aluminum, alloys thereof, or may be another type of metal. More particularly, the substrate may at least partially comprise steel, such as stainless steel, carbon steel or spring steel. For example, the substrate may comprise, at least in part, 301 stainless steel. 301 stainless steel may be annealed, 1/4 hard, 1/2 hard, 3/4 hard, or fully hard. In various embodiments, the base material may be a metal support coated with another metal, which may improve corrosion resistance or frictional properties.

The substrate may include an open metal substrate. The open metal substrate may comprise a metal having a plurality of apertures in a radial surface of the substrate. The radial surface of the substrate may have a radial surface area and the plurality of apertures may have a void area defined as a surface area occupied by the plurality of apertures in the radial surface area of the substrate. The open metal substrate may be defined as having a void area that occupies at least 30% of the surface area of the radial surface of the open metal surface. In various embodiments, the open metal base plate may have a void area that occupies at least 30% of the surface area of the radial surface of the open metal base plate, such as at least 40% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, such as at least 50% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, such as at least 60% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, such as at least 70% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, such as at least 80% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, or such as at least 90% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate. The void area may cover no more than 99% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, such as no more than 95% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, no more than 90% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, no more than 80% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, no more than 70% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, no more than 60% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, no more than 50% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, no more than 40% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate, or no more than 30% of the radial surface area of the open metal base plate.

The open metal substrate may comprise a woven or non-woven metal, a expanded drawn metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet, or may comprise another type of metal comprising a plurality of open pores in its radial surface.

In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may comprise a woven metal mesh. The woven metal mesh may be fabricated to include filaments, such as first and second filaments, that are interwoven to create apertures or voids. In one embodiment, the first and second filaments may have the same thickness. Alternatively, they may have different thicknesses. The woven metal mesh may have various weave types including, but not limited to, a woven mesh type, an inter-crimp type, a lock-crimp type, a plain weave type, a flat-top weave type, a flat-punched type, or a welded type. The woven metal mesh may be a square weave, dutch weave, twill dutch weave, reverse dutch weave, or may be woven in other ways.

In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may comprise a non-woven metal mesh. The non-woven metal mesh may be manufactured to include filaments, such as first and second filaments, that are bonded together to create openings or voids, such as by chemical, mechanical, thermal, or solvent treatment. In one embodiment, the first and second filaments may have the same thickness. Alternatively, they may have different thicknesses.

In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may comprise a porous drawn metal mesh. The expanded metal mesh may be manufactured by several different processes. For example, a plurality of apertures may be punched into the metal sheet to create a plurality of filaments and a plurality of voids in the metal sheet. The stamping may involve any of the following: removing materials; or openings may be formed in the sheet without extensive material removal operations. In various embodiments, the expanded metal mesh may not be woven, but rather may be made from a sheet material having a flat major surface. The porous drawn sheet material may have a flatness of at least one major surface that is maintained after the metal is drawn and the metal grid is formed. In one embodiment, the apertures may be equally spaced from each other. In another embodiment, the apertures can be spaced at different spatial intervals from one another. In certain embodiments, the sheet may be drawn or stretched during stamping. For example, the serrated press may be reciprocated between an open position and a closed position to form the apertures and simultaneously create the undulating surface profile of the sheet. Alternatively, the sheet may be punched in a first step to form the apertures and then drawn in a second step. The drawing of the sheet can take place in a unidirectional or bidirectional or other multidirectional manner. For example, in one embodiment, the sheet may be drawn in opposite directions, e.g., a first direction and a second direction offset 180 ° from the first direction. In another embodiment, the sheet material may be drawn bi-directionally, such as in the first, second, third, and fourth directions. The first and third directions may be opposite to each other, and the second and fourth directions may be opposite to each other. More specifically, each of the first direction and the third direction may be offset by 90 ° from each of the second direction and the fourth direction.

In one embodiment, the open metal substrate may comprise a perforated metal sheet. Perforated metal sheets can be manufactured by several different processes. For example, a plurality of openings may be formed in the metal sheet to create a plurality of filaments and a plurality of voids in the metal sheet. The apertures may be formed by cutting, drilling, stamping, sawing, shearing, turning, milling, grinding, firing, hydroforming, abrasive machining, photochemical machining, electrical discharge machining, filing, or may be formed in different ways.

Fig. 2A-2B include illustrations of a composite material 1000 that may be formed according to the first step 12 and the second step 14 of the forming process 10. For purposes of illustration, fig. 2A-2B illustrate a layer-by-layer construction of composite material 1000 after second step 14. In various embodiments, composite material 1000 may include substrate 1119 (i.e., the base material described above and provided in first step 12) and low-friction layer 1104 (i.e., the low-friction coating applied in second step 14). In various embodiments, substrate 1119 may extend at least partially along a length of composite material 1000. As shown in fig. 2A, the low friction layer 1104 may be coupled to at least one region of the substrate 1119. In certain embodiments, the low-friction layer 1104 may be coupled to a surface of the substrate 1119 to form a low-friction interface with another surface of another component. The low friction layer 1104 may be coupled with, laminated to, or embedded within the substrate 1119 such that the low friction layer may be present or coated on a radially inner surface of the substrate 1119, thereby forming a low friction interface with another surface of another component. The low friction layer 1104 may be coupled with, laminated to, or embedded within the substrate 1119 such that the low friction layer may be present or coated on a radially outer surface of the substrate 1119, thereby forming a low friction interface with another surface of another component. In other embodiments, low friction layer 1104 may be coupled with substrate 1119, laminated to substrate 1119, or have substrate 1119 embedded therein such that the low friction layer may be present or coated on both the radially inner and radially outer surfaces of substrate 1119, thereby forming a low friction interface with another surface of another component. In one embodiment, the substrate 1119, which is an open metal substrate, may be partially embedded in the low friction layer 1104. In one embodiment, substrate 1119, which is an open metal substrate, may be completely embedded in low-friction layer 1104 such that the low-friction material extends along at least some portions of substrate 1119, along a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface of substrate 1119. In one embodiment, as best shown in fig. 2B, the substrate 1119, which is an open metal substrate, may be at least partially embedded in the low friction layer 1104, thereby forming a first low friction layer 1104 and a second low friction layer 1104'. In some embodiments, composite 1000 may optionally include second substrate 1119'. In one embodiment, the second substrate 1119' may be a metal-containing substrate, such as a steel substrate, and may include an open metal substrate as described above.

The substrate 1119 may have a thickness Ts between about 10 microns to about 2000 microns, such as between about 50 microns and about 1500 microns, such as between about 100 microns and about 1000 microns, and such as between about 150 microns and about 500 microns. In various embodiments, the substrate 1119 may have a thickness Ts between about 200 microns and 600 microns. In various embodiments, the substrate 1119 may have a thickness Ts between about 250 and 450 microns. It should be further appreciated that the thickness Ts of the substrate 1119 can be any value between any minimum and maximum values noted above. The thickness of substrate 1119 may be uniform, i.e., the thickness of substrate 1119 at a first location may be equal to the thickness at a second location therealong. The thickness of substrate 1119 may be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness of substrate 1119 at a first location may differ from the thickness at a second location therealong.

In various embodiments, low friction layer 1104 may comprise a low friction material. The low friction material may include, for example, a polymer, such as polyketone, polyaramid, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethersulfone, polyphenylsulfone, polyamideimide, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, fluoropolymer, polybenzimidazole, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyimide (PI), polyetherimide, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyethylene (PE), polysulfone, Polyamide (PA), polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyurethane, polyester, Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), or any combination thereof. In a certain example, the low friction material 1104 includes a polyketone, such as Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, polyetherketoneetherketone, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. In some additional example, the low friction material 1104 may be ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In another example, the low friction layer 1104 may include a fluoropolymer including Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride (THV), Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), or ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE). Low-friction layer 1104 may comprise a solid material including lithium soap, graphite, boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, carbon nitride, tungsten carbide, or diamond-like carbon, a metal (such as aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, titanium, tungsten, iron, bronze, steel, spring steel, stainless steel), a metal alloy (including the listed metals), an anodized metal (including the listed metals), or any combination thereof. According to particular embodiments, fluoropolymers may be used.

In various embodiments, low friction layer 1104 may further include fillers including glass fibers, carbon fibers, silicon, PEEK, aromatic polyesters, bronze, fluoropolymers, thermoplastic fillers, alumina, Polyamideimide (PAI), PPS, polyphenylene sulfone (PPSO)₂) LCP, aromatic polyester, molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, graphite, graphene, porous drawn graphite, talc, calcium fluoride, or any combination thereof. In addition, the filler may beIncluding alumina, silica, titania, calcium fluoride, boron nitride, mica, wollastonite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, zirconia, carbon black, pigments, or any combination thereof. The filler may be in the form of beads, fibers, powder, mesh, or any combination thereof. The filler may be at least 10 wt%, such as at least 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, or even 30 wt%, based on the total weight of the low friction layer. In various embodiments, the low friction layer 1104 may have a lower electrical conductivity than the substrate 1119.

In one embodiment, low friction layer 1104 (or second friction layer 1104') may have a thickness T of between about 1 micron and about 500 microns, such as between about 10 microns and about 400 microns, such as between about 30 microns and about 300 microns, such as between about 50 microns and about 250 microns _FL(T_FL'). In various embodiments, the low friction layer 1104 (or second low friction layer 1104') may have a thickness T between about 100 microns and about 350 microns_FL(T_FL'). It should be further appreciated that the thickness T of low friction layer 1104 (or second friction layer 1104') is_FL(T_FL') can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. The thickness of low friction layer 1104 (or second friction layer 1104') may be uniform, i.e., the thickness of low friction layer 1104 at a first location may be equal to the thickness along it at a second location. The thickness of low friction layer 1104 (or second friction layer 1104') may be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness of low friction layer 1104 at a first location may be different than the thickness along it at a second location. Low friction layer 1104 (or second friction layer 1104') can overlie one major surface of substrate 1119 as shown, or both major surfaces. The substrate 1119 may be at least partially encapsulated by the low friction layer 1104 or the second low friction layer 1104'. That is, the low-friction layer 1104 may cover at least one region of the substrate 1119. The axial surface of the substrate 1119 may or may not be exposed from the low friction layer 1104. The thickness of the friction layer 1104 may be the same as the thickness of the second low friction layer 1104'. The thickness of the friction layer 1104 may be different from the thickness of the second low friction layer 1104'.

In one embodimentThe composite material 1000 may have a thickness T in the range of 0.1mm to 5mm, such as in the range of 0.2mm to 3mm, or even in the range of 0.3mm to 2mm_SW. It should be further appreciated that the thickness T of the composite material 1000_SWAnd can be any value between any minimum and maximum value noted above. Thickness T of composite 1000_SWMay be uniform, i.e., the thickness of composite 1000 at a first location may be equal to its thickness along a second location. Thickness T of composite 1000_SWMay be non-uniform, i.e., the thickness of composite 1000 at a first location may be different than its thickness along a second location.

In one embodiment, as described above, the substrate material may be partially or fully embedded in the low friction material layer or low friction layer 1104 at step 14 of FIG. 1. Possible processes for producing the composite material are milling, pressing, extruding, molding, sintering, or can be embedded in different ways. As described above, any of the layers of the composite 1000 described above may be laminated together or otherwise formed such that they at least partially overlap one another. As described above, the low friction layers 1104, 1104' may be laminated to or otherwise coated on the surface of the substrate 1119 or another intermediate layer. The sheet may be formed into a substrate 1119 having a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. The low friction layers 1104, 1104 'may encapsulate the substrate 1119 such that at least one of the radially inner and outer surfaces of the substrate 1119 may be located within the low friction layers 1104, 1104'. In various embodiments, composite 1000 may have a lower surface related electrical conductivity, comparable to the electrical conductivity of the non-conductive surface facing at least one side of composite 1000, depending on the filler of low friction layers 1104, 1104'.

Referring now to third step 16 of manufacturing method 10 shown in fig. 1, forming composite 1000 into a bearing may include bonding low friction layers 1104, 1104', or any intermediate layers, to substrate 1119 using a molten adhesive to form a preform, according to some embodiments. The preform may be cut into blanks that may be formed into bearings. Cutting the preform into blanks may include using stamping, pressing, punching, sawing, deep drawing, or may be processed in different ways. Cutting the preform into blanks can form a cut edge that includes the exposed area of the substrate 1119. The blank may be formed into a bearing, such as by rolling and flange machining a preform to form a semi-finished bearing of a desired shape. Forming the bearing from the blank may include using a die, press, punch, saw, deep draw, or may be machined in a different manner. In some embodiments, the edges of the blank may be bent into flanges in a secondary process. In other embodiments, the bearing may be formed by a one-shot process that includes forming the flange. The bearing may be formed as a single unit or as a unitary piece of material.

For purposes of illustration, fig. 3A-3C illustrate a bearing (generally designated 300) that may be formed from a blank. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 as shown in fig. 3A-3C may be produced by rolling an appropriately sized composite material 1000, which composite material 1000 may initially exist as a billet as described above. Fig. 3A shows a top perspective view of a bearing 300, which bearing 300 may be formed by the forming process described above. Fig. 3B shows a radial cross-sectional view of a bearing 300, which bearing 300 may be formed by the forming process described above. Fig. 3B shows an enlarged radial cross-sectional view of a bearing 300, which bearing 300 may be formed by the forming process described above.

Referring now to fig. 3A-3C, in particular embodiments, the bearing may be a plain bearing 300. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 may be a plain bearing. The bearing 300 may extend in an axial direction with respect to the central axis 3000. The central axis 3000 is positioned to extend longitudinally along the length of the bearing 100. The bearing 300 may include a bearing sidewall 308. The sidewall 308 may include a substrate 1119 and at least one low friction layer 1104 of composite material 1000, as best shown in fig. 2A-2C. In various embodiments, the sidewall 308 may include a first outward face 312 and a second inward face 314. The sidewall 308 may include a generally cylindrical body 310, and the generally cylindrical body 310 may form an annulus having a first axial end 303 and a second axial end 305, as shown in longitudinal cross-section. As used herein, "substantially cylindrical" refers to a shape that, when positioned in a best-fit cylinder having a body of revolution about an axis, deviates from the best-fit cylinder by no more than 15%, no more than 10%, no more than 5%, no more than 4%, no more than 3%, no more than 2%, or no more than 1% at any location. In one embodiment, "generally cylindrical" may refer to a generally cylindrical body 310 assembled between inner and outer components, i.e., in an installed state. In another embodiment, "substantially cylindrical" may refer to a substantially cylindrical body 310 between inner and outer components prior to assembly, i.e., in an uninstalled state. In a particular embodiment, the substantially cylindrical sidewall can be a cylindrical sidewall having a shape corresponding to a rotation about an axis having two longitudinal planar end portions. In particular embodiments, the cylindrical sidewall may have a nominal surface roughness, such as that produced during typical machining and manufacturing processes.

The bearing 300 may have a radially outer end 307 and a radially inner end 306. The bearing 300 may have a substantially L-shaped annular shape. In other words, the bearing 300 may have an L-shaped bearing cross-section extending in both radial and axial directions, as best shown in fig. 3C. Other annular shapes of the bearing are possible. Opposite ends of a product roll of composite material 1000 forming bearing 300 may be secured at an axial gap 330 extending in an axial direction along generally cylindrical body 310. Axial gaps 330 that extend non-linearly and/or obliquely (i.e., diagonally) to the central axis 3000 of the bearing 300 are also possible, as best shown in fig. 3B. In particular embodiments, the axial gap 330 may be welded or otherwise coupled to form the closed bearing 300. In some embodiments, the axial gap 330 may not be connected. The bearing 300 may include a bore 350, the bore 350 extending along an axial length of the bearing 300 and adapted to receive internal components of the assembly. The bore 350 may be parallel or non-parallel to the central axis 3000. The bore 350 may be formed by bending the planar composite 1000 into a generally cylindrical shape, thereby forming a generally cylindrical body 310 and sidewall 308.

Bearing 300 sidewall 308 may further include at least one flange 322. The flange 322 may be generally annular about the central axis 3000. The flange 322 may be from the first axial end 303 orAt least one of the second axial ends 305 projects radially outward. The flange 322 may extend radially outward from the radially inner end 306 to the radially outer end 307. Alternatively, the flange 322 may extend radially inward from the radially outer end 307 to the radially inner end 307 (not shown). In various embodiments, the flange 322 may form a substantially flat outermost axial surface at the radially outer end 307 of the bearing 300. In various embodiments, the flange 322 may be formed from a low friction layer 1104 or low friction material, the low friction layer 1104 or low friction material being formed at an outermost axial surface at the radially outer end 307 of the bearing 300. In some embodiments, the flange 322 may be located at the second axial end 305 of the bearing 300. In various embodiments, the radially outer end 307 may form an outer radius OR of the bearing 300 as measured radially from the central axis 3000. In various embodiments, radially inner end 306 may form an inner radius IR of bearing 300 as measured radially from central axis 3000. In other words, the radial width W of the flange 322_RFMay be the difference in distance between the outer radius OR and the inner radius IR. In various embodiments, flange 322 can include an axial split 327. The axial split 327 may provide clearance in the flange 322. In various embodiments, the flange 322 may include a plurality of axial splits 327 provided with a segmented flange (not shown). In certain embodiments, as shown in fig. 3A-3B, axial split 327 may abut axial gap 330 in substantially cylindrical body 310. In other embodiments, the axial split 327 may be non-contiguous with the axial gap 330 in the generally cylindrical body 310.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, bearing 300 may have an overall inner radius IR from central axis 3000 to radially inner end 306, and IR may be ≧ 1mm, such as ≧ 5mm, ≧ 10mm, ≧ 15mm, ≧ 20mm, or ≧ 50 mm. The inner radius IR may be < 100mm, such as < 50mm, < 25mm, < 10mm, < 5mm or < 1 mm. The inner radius IR may vary along the circumference of the bearing 300. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 may have an overall inner radius IR of between about 2mm to 50 mm. It should be appreciated that bearing 300 can have an overall inner radius IR that can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should be further appreciated that the bearing 300 can have an overall inner radius IR, which can be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, bearing 300 may have an overall outer radius OR from central axis 3000 to radially outer end 307, and OR may be ≧ 1.5mm, such as ≧ 5mm, ≧ 10mm, ≧ 20mm, ≧ 40mm, OR ≧ 70 mm. The outer radius OR may be 125mm OR less, such as 100mm OR less, 75mm OR less, 50mm OR less, 25mm OR less, OR 10mm OR less. The overall outer radius OR may vary along the circumference of the bearing 300. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 may have an overall outer radius OR of between about 3mm to 60 mm. It should be appreciated that bearing 300 may have an overall outer radius OR, which may range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should be further appreciated that the bearing 300 may have an overall outer radius OR, which may be any value between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. Further, as described above, the radial width W of the flange 322 _RF,May be the difference in distance between the outer radius OR and the inner radius IR.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the bearing 300 may have an overall height H from the first axial end 303 to the second axial end 305, and H may be 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 5mm, 10mm, or 50 mm. The height H may be < 500mm, such as < 250mm, < 150mm, < 100mm or < 50 mm. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 may have an overall height H of between about 5mm and 50 mm. It should be appreciated that the bearing 300 can have an overall height H, which can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should be further appreciated that the bearing 300 can have an overall height H, which can be any value between any minimum and maximum value noted above.

In various embodiments, as shown in fig. 3B, at least one flange 322 may abut and extend from the axial ends 303, 305 of the generally cylindrical body 310 of the bearing 300. In one embodiment, the flange 322 may be positioned to project orthogonally to the generally cylindrical body 310. In other embodiments, the flange 322 may be positioned to project non-orthogonally to the generally cylindrical body 310. In some embodiments, flange 322 may form an angle α with generally cylindrical body 310 (and central axis 3000). The included angle alpha may be in the range of at least 0 deg. to 180 deg.. The included angle α may be 30 ° or more, such as 45 ° or more, 55 ° or more, or 85 ° or more. The included angle α may be 150 ° or less, such as 135 ° or less, 120 ° or less, 90 ° or less, or 60 ° or less. In particular embodiments, the included angle α may be in the range of 60 ° to 120 °.

Referring now to fig. 3A-3C, the bearing 300 may generally include a flange 322, which flange 322 may have a multi-walled construction defining one or

more flange sidewalls

342, 344. In various embodiments, the first axial end 303 of the bearing 300 can include a flange 322 having

flange sidewalls

342, 344. Alternatively, the second axial end 305 of the bearing may include a flange 322 having

flange sidewalls

342, 344. Alternatively, both axial ends 303, 305 of the bearing may comprise a flange 322 having

flange sidewalls

342, 344. As used herein, "multi-walled construction" refers to a sidewall that includes a plurality of flanged sidewalls that overlap one another. In one embodiment, the plurality of sidewalls contact each other. The multi-walled construction may be shaped such that a line extending axially parallel to the central axis 3000 of the bearing 300 intersects the two or more discrete flange sidewalls 342, 344 along at least one radial location perpendicular to the central axis 300. In other words, the flange 322 may be folded over on itself to form a plurality of

flange sidewalls

342, 344. The flange sidewalls 342, 344 may be formed by shaping a portion of the sidewall 308. More specifically, the

flange sidewalls

342, 344 may be formed at least in part by folding an axial end of the sidewall 308 toward an opposite axial end of the sidewall 308. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the

flange sidewalls

342, 344 can be folded toward at least one of the first axial end 303 or the second axial end 305. Alternatively, the

flange sidewalls

342, 344 may be folded toward the axial center 346 of the bearing 300.

In embodiments where the

flange sidewalls

342, 344 can be formed from a composite material 1000, the composite material 1000 including, for example, the substrate 1119 and the low friction layer 1104, the preform is considered to be one

discrete flange sidewall

342, 344. The multi-wall construction can include three axially adjacent flanged sidewalls, four axially adjacent flanged sidewalls, five axially adjacent flanged sidewalls, or even six axially adjacent flanged sidewalls. According to one embodiment, the multi-wall construction may comprise no more than 10 axially adjacent flange sidewalls, such as no more than 5 axially adjacent flange sidewalls, or even no more than 3 axially adjacent flange sidewalls. In one embodiment, bearing 300 may have a multi-walled construction such that flange sidewalls 342, 344 may contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of flange 322, such as along at least 50% of the radial length of flange 322, at least 60% of the radial length of flange 322, at least 75% of the radial length of flange 322, at least 80% of the radial length of flange 322, or even at least 85% of the radial length of flange 322. In another embodiment, the bearing 300 may have a multi-walled construction such that the

flange sidewalls

342, 344 may contact each other along less than 100% of the radial length of the flange 322, such as no greater than 99% of the radial length of the flange 322, no greater than 98% of the radial length of the flange 322, no greater than 97% of the radial length of the flange 322, no greater than 96% of the radial length of the flange 322, no greater than 95% of the radial length of the flange 322, or even no greater than 90% of the radial length of the flange 322. In various embodiments, the flange 322 can have a multi-walled configuration such that the

flange sidewalls

342, 344 can contact each other at least 180 ° around the circumference of the bearing 300, such as at least 210 ° around the circumference of the bearing 300, 240 ° around the circumference of the bearing 300, 270 ° around the circumference of the

bearing

300, 300 ° around the circumference of the bearing 300, or even 360 ° around the circumference of the bearing 300.

In one embodiment, at least one of the

flange side walls

342, 344 of the flange 322 may define at least one compression feature having a spring effect, i.e., the

flange side walls

342, 344 may allow for absorption of tolerances or misalignment between the inner and outer components, such as the drive shaft and the bore. In one embodiment, the spring effect may result from the material properties of the sidewall 308, which include the material properties of the

flange sidewalls

342, 344.

In various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, flange 322 may have a thickness T of between about 0.2mm to about 10mm_RFSuch as between about 0.75mm to about 8mm, between about 1mm to about 5mm, between about 1.5mm to about 4 mm. In various embodiments, flange 322 can have a thickness between 0A thickness T between 7mm and 5mm_RF. It should be understood that flange 322 may have a thickness T_RFAnd can be in a range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It should be further understood that flange 322 may have a thickness T_RFThe thickness can be any value between any minimum and maximum value noted above. It will also be appreciated that the thickness T of the flange 322_RFMay vary around the circumference of the bearing 300.

In various embodiments, as shown in fig. 3A-3C, the generally cylindrical body 310 can include at least one coined region 366 that can be oriented in a radial direction. The at least one coined region 366 may provide more rigidity to the generally cylindrical body 310 or flange 322. In various embodiments, the coined region 366 may introduce support for ease of assembly, providing rigidity support to at least one of the generally cylindrical body 310 or the flange 322. The embossed region 366 may include at least one undulation, depression, groove, valley, plateau, ramp, protrusion, or deformation in the axial direction. The embossed region 366 may have a circular, polygonal, elliptical, or semi-circular cross-sectional shape. In various embodiments, the coined region 366 may be located on the generally cylindrical body 310. In various embodiments, the coined region 366 may be disposed within an axial distance between the first axial end 303 and the second axial end 305. In various embodiments, the coined region 366 may be located at either the first axial end 303 or the second axial end 305. In other words, the coined region 366 may extend anywhere along the circumference of the generally cylindrical body 310. In one embodiment, the coined region 366 may be in the shape of a deformation in the radial direction such that the generally cylindrical body 310 may be non-parallel to the central axis 3000 of the bearing 300, as shown in fig. 3A. The coined area 366 may deform radially outward or radially inward from a line parallel to the central axis 3000.

As best shown in fig. 3B, the embossed region 366 may have a height H_CR. Height H_CRMay be related to the height H of the bearing 300 such that H_CRNot less than 0.3H, such as not less than 0.25H, not less than 0.20H, not less than 0.15H, not less than 0.10H, or not less than 0.05H. In another aspect, height H_CRMay be ≦ 0.5H, such as ≦ 045H, less than or equal to 0.40H, less than or equal to 0.35H, less than or equal to 0.30H, less than or equal to 0.25H, less than or equal to 0.20H, less than or equal to 0.15H, less than or equal to 0.10H or less than or equal to 0.01H. Height H of embossed region 366_CRMay vary along the circumference of the bearing 300 about the central axis 3000.

In various embodiments, the sidewall 308 of the bearing 300, or the bearing itself, may be coated such that the low friction layer 1104 or low friction material may overlie the metal layer of at least one of the radially inner surface 314 and the radially outer surface 312 of the sidewall 308. In various embodiments, the sidewall 308 of the bearing 300 can include at least one conductive region 380. The conductive region 380 may be free of the low friction layer 1104 or low friction material. The conductive region 380 may provide electrical conductivity between the bearing 300 and one of the other components of the assembly. The conductive region 380 may include a plurality of conductive regions. In one embodiment, the conductive region 380 may include an outward conductive region 382 on the sidewall 308. In one embodiment, the conductive region 380 may include an inward conductive region 384 on the sidewall 308. In one embodiment, the conductive region 380 may include both inward conductive regions 384 and outward conductive regions 382. The conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 may include a deformation notch that is at least partially free of the low friction material layer 1104 and recedes radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall 308. In various embodiments, at least one of the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 may expose the substrate 1119. As used herein, "radially inward" may be defined as the sidewall 308 on the inside of the bearing 300 facing the bore 350 (e.g., the radially inner surface 314 of the sidewall 308) from the first axial end 303 to the second axial end 308 at the radially outer end 307. As used herein, "radially outward" may be defined as the sidewall 308 on the outside of the bearing 300 not facing the bore 350 (e.g., the radially outer surface 312 of the sidewall 308) from the first axial end 303 to the second axial end 308 at the radially outer end 307. In various embodiments, at least one of the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 may include a protrusion that is at least partially free of the low friction layer 1104 or low friction material and extends radially inward or outward from the sidewall 308. In various embodiments, at least one of the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 can include a deformation notch that is at least partially free of the low friction layer 1104 or low friction material and recedes radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall 308. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 can be positioned along the generally cylindrical body 310.

The conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 may be formed from the composite material 1000 by a manufacturing process that may include the use of cutting, skiving, stamping, pressing, punching, sawing, deep drawing, edging, milling, or can be machined in a different manner. In some embodiments, the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 may be formed by a single operation process or multiple operation processes. By way of non-limiting example, a punch may be used to plastically deform the generally cylindrical body 310 radially inward or outward and remove the low friction material that exposes the substrate 1119 to form the electrically conductive region 380.

Conductive region 380, inward conductive region 384, or outward conductive region 382 may have a surface area of bearing sidewall 308, which may be ≧ 0.1mm²Such as ≧ 0.5mm²、≥1mm²、≥5mm²、≥25mm²Or more than or equal to 50mm². The conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 may have a surface area of the bearing sidewall 308 that may ≦ 200mm²Such as ≦ 100mm²、≤50mm²、≤25mm²、≤10mm²Or less than or equal to 1mm². It will be appreciated that the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 can have a surface area of the bearing sidewall 308 that can be within a range between any of the minimum and maximum values noted above. It will be further appreciated that the conductive region 380, the inward conductive region 384, or the outward conductive region 382 can have a surface area of the bearing sidewall 308 that can be any value between any minimum and maximum values described above.

In various embodiments, as described above, the bearing 300 may be included in the assembly 2000. The assembly 2000 may also include internal components, such as a drive shaft 28. The assembly 2000 may further include external components, such as a housing 30. The assembly 2000 may include a bearing 300 disposed radially between an inner component and an outer component. In various embodiments, the bearing 300 may be disposed between the inner member 28 and the outer member 30 such that the bearing surrounds the inner member or drive shaft 28. The bearing 300 may have a sidewall 308 with a base 1119 and a low friction material 1104 extending along the radially inner surface 314 and the radially outer surface 312 of the sidewall 308. The sidewall 308 may have a generally cylindrical body 310 and at least one flange 322, the flange 322 abutting and extending from the axial ends 303, 305 of the generally cylindrical body 310. The flange 322 can have a multi-walled construction that includes a plurality of

flange sidewalls

342, 344 that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange 322, and/or the sidewall 308 can include an outward conductive region 382 and an inward conductive region 384.

Fig. 4 and 5 show an assembly 2000 in the form of an exemplary hinge 400, such as an automotive door hinge, hood hinge, engine compartment hinge, or the like. Hinge 400 may include an inner member 28, such as an inner hinge portion 402, and an outer hinge portion 404. Hinge regions 402 and 404 may be connected by outer member 30, such as rivets 406 and 408, and

bearings

410 and 412.

Bearings

410 and 412 may be bearings as previously described and are herein labeled as 300. Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the hinge 400 showing the rivet 408 and the bearing 412 in more detail.

Fig. 6 illustrates an assembly 2000 in the form of another exemplary hinge 600. The hinge 600 may include a first hinge portion 602 and a second hinge portion 604 connected by a pin 606 and a bearing 608. The bearing 608 may be a bearing as previously described and is herein labeled 300.

In one exemplary embodiment, fig. 7 depicts a non-limiting example of an assembly 2000 in the form of an embodiment of another hinge assembly 700 that includes components of a disassembled automotive door hinge that includes bearings 704. Fig. 7 is an example of a profile hinge. The bearing 704 may be inserted into the hinged door piece 706. The bearing 704 may be a bearing as previously described and is labeled herein as 300. Rivet 708 bridges hinge door part 706 with hinge generally cylindrical body part 710. Rivet 708 may be screwed into a hinge generally cylindrical body part 710 by set screw 712 and held in place by washer 702 and hinged door part 706.

Fig. 8 shows an assembly 2000 in the form of an exemplary bowl cluster assembly 800 for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle. The steering tube 802 may be inserted through the head tube 804.

Bearings

806 and 808 may be placed between the steering tube 802 and the head tube 804 to maintain alignment and prevent contact between the steering tube 802 and the head tube 804.

Bearings

806 and 808 may be bearings as previously described and are labeled herein as 300. In addition, the

seals

810 and 812 may prevent contamination of the sliding surfaces of the bearings with dust and other particulate matter.

The components mentioned above are exemplary and are not meant to limit the use of the bearing 300 in other potential components. For example, the bearing 300 may be used in an assembly 2000 for a power assembly application (such as a belt tensioner) or other space-limited assembly application.

In one embodiment, the bearing 300 may provide an axial tolerance compensation of at least 0.01mm, such as at least 0.05mm, at least 0.1mm, at least 0.5mm, at least 1mm, at least 2mm, or even at least 5mm, in an axial direction relative to the inner or outer component. "axial tolerance compensation" may be defined as the distance provided by the flange 322 of the bearing 300 in the axial adjustment of the dimension between adjacent axial components.

A method of forming the bearing 300 may include providing a blank. The bearing 300 may be formed from a blank that includes a preform that includes a substrate 1119 and a low friction layer 1104 overlying the substrate 1119. The method may further include forming the bearing 300 from a blank, the bearing having a sidewall 308 with a low-friction material 1104 extending along a radially inner surface 314 and a radially outer surface 312 of the sidewall 308, the sidewall further including a generally cylindrical body 310 and a flange 322 adjacent to and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical body 310, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange 322 can have a multi-walled construction that includes a plurality of

flange sidewalls

342, 344 that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewall 308 includes an outward conductive region 382 and an inward conductive region 384.

In various embodiments, the assembly 2000 may be coated using a coating process. The coating process may include a painting process, such as an electrocoating process. The coating process may provide a coating 95, the coating 95 being disposed on an outer surface of at least one component (e.g., bearing 300, inner component 28, outer component 30) of the assembly 2000. In various embodiments, a bearing comprising an outwardly conductive region and an inwardly conductive region can enable the coating to adhere to the components of the assembly 2000 by providing appropriate conductivity between the various components. For example, a bearing 300 having a multi-walled configuration of flange 322 and/or sidewall 308 including outward conductive region 382 and inward conductive region 384 may induce electrical conductivity between the vehicle door (outer component 30) and the remaining vehicle body (inner assembly 28).

Applications for such embodiments include, for example, assemblies 1000 for hinges and other vehicle components. Further, the use of bearing 300 or assembly 2000 may provide further benefits in several applications including, but not limited to, vehicle tail doors, door frames, seat assemblies, powertrain applications (such as seat belt tensioners), or other types of applications. According to embodiments herein, the flange of the bearing may provide a required axial preload and improved axial tolerance compensation compared to existing bearings known in the art. Further, according to embodiments herein, the bearing may provide suitable electrical conductivity between the different components of the assembly for efficient coating/electrocoating of the assembly without generating excessive debris. Further, according to embodiments herein, the bearing may be easily installed, retrofitted, and may provide cost benefits in a number of possible assemblies of varying complexity. Thus, these designs can significantly reduce noise, roughness, ineffective paint design and vibration characteristics while providing improved torque performance, thereby extending service life and increasing the effectiveness and performance of the assembly, bearings and other components.

Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments may be according to any one or more of the embodiments listed below.

Embodiment 1. a bearing, comprising: a sidewall comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material, the sidewall further comprising: a generally cylindrical body; and a flange abutting an axial end of the generally cylindrical body and extending therefrom, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange comprises a multi-walled construction comprising a plurality of flange sidewalls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewalls or flange comprise an outward conductive region and an inward conductive region.

Embodiment 2. an assembly comprising: an internal component; an external component; and a bearing disposed radially between the inner and outer members, wherein the bearing comprises: a sidewall comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material, the sidewall further comprising: a generally cylindrical body; and a flange abutting an axial end of the generally cylindrical body and extending therefrom, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange comprises a multi-walled construction comprising a plurality of flange sidewalls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewalls or flange comprise an outward conductive region and an inward conductive region.

Example 3. the method comprises: providing a blank comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material; forming a bearing from a blank, the bearing comprising a sidewall comprising: a generally cylindrical body; and a flange adjacent to and extending from an axial end of the generally cylindrical body, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange comprises a multi-walled construction comprising a plurality of flange sidewalls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewalls or flange comprise an outward conductive region and an inward conductive region.

Embodiment 4. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region comprises a deformation notch that is at least partially free of low friction material and recedes radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall.

Embodiment 5. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region comprises a protrusion that is at least partially free of low friction material and extends radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall.

Embodiment 6. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the low friction material is coated on a surface of the substrate.

Embodiment 7. the bearing, assembly, or method of embodiment 6, wherein the low friction material is coated on both the radially outer surface and the radially inner surface of the substrate.

Embodiment 8. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the substrate comprises a woven metal mesh or a porous drawn metal.

Embodiment 9. the bearing, assembly or method of embodiment 8, wherein the metal of the substrate is selected from the group of bronze, copper, aluminum, brass or stainless steel.

Embodiment 10. the bearing, assembly, or method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the low friction material comprises a polymer.

Embodiment 11. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region is located on a substantially cylindrical body.

Embodiment 12. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region is located on the flange.

Embodiment 13. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region exposes the substrate.

Embodiment 14. the bearing, assembly, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the substantially cylindrical body comprises a gap extending at least partially between a first axial end and a second axial end of the bearing.

Embodiment 15 the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the substrate comprises a split.

Embodiment 16 the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the multi-wall construction comprises 2 flanged sidewalls.

Embodiment 17 the bearing, assembly, or method of embodiment 16, wherein the multi-walled construction comprises at least 3 flanged sidewalls, such as at least 4 flanged sidewalls, or even at least 5 flanged sidewalls.

Example 18. the bearing, assembly, or method of example 16, the multi-walled construction herein comprising no more than 5 flanged sidewalls, such as no more than 4 flanged sidewalls, or even no more than 3 flanged sidewalls.

Embodiment 19. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the flange has a multi-walled construction that surrounds at least 180 ° of a circumference of the bearing.

Embodiment 20. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the bearing has a substantially flat outermost axial surface.

Embodiment 21. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the flange is formed of a low friction material facing the outermost axial surface.

Embodiment 22. the bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the base plate is fully embedded in the low friction material such that the low friction material extends along at least a portion of the radially inner and outer surfaces of the base plate.

It is noted that not all of the features described above are required, that a portion of a particular feature may not be required, and that one or more features may be provided in addition to the described features. Further, the order in which features are described is not necessarily the order in which the features are installed.

Certain features that are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or feature of any or all the claims.

The description and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The description and drawings are not intended to serve as an exhaustive or comprehensive description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment, and conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. Further, reference to values expressed as ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments will be apparent to the skilled person only after reading this description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural substitutions, logical substitutions, or any changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure is, therefore, to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A bearing, the bearing comprising:

a sidewall comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material,

the sidewall further includes:

a generally cylindrical body; and

a flange abutting an axial end of the generally cylindrical body and extending therefrom, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange comprises a multi-walled construction comprising a plurality of flange sidewalls that contact each other along at least 25% of a radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewalls or the flange comprise outward and inward conductive regions.

2. An assembly, the assembly comprising:

an inner member;

an outer member; and

a bearing disposed radially between the inner component and the outer component,

wherein the bearing comprises:

a sidewall comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material, the sidewall further comprising:

a generally cylindrical body; and

3. A method, the method comprising:

providing a blank comprising an open metal substrate at least partially embedded in a low friction material;

forming a bearing from the blank, the bearing comprising a sidewall, the sidewall

Further comprising:

a generally cylindrical body; and

a flange abutting an axial end of the generally cylindrical body and extending therefrom, wherein at least one of: 1) the flange comprises a multi-walled construction comprising a plurality of flange sidewalls that contact each other along at least 25% of the radial length of the flange, or 2) the sidewalls or the flange comprise outward and inward conductive regions.

4. The bearing, assembly, or method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region comprises a deformation notch that is at least partially free of low friction material and recedes radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall.

5. The bearing, assembly, or method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region comprises a protrusion that is at least partially free of low friction material and extends radially inward or radially outward from the sidewall.

6. The bearing, assembly or method of any preceding claim, wherein the low friction material is coated on a surface of the substrate.

7. The bearing, assembly or method of claim 6, wherein the low friction material is coated on both a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface of the substrate.

8. A bearing, assembly or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the substrate comprises a woven metal mesh or a porous drawn metal.

9. A bearing, assembly or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the low friction material comprises a polymer.

10. A bearing, assembly or method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region is located on the substantially cylindrical body.

11. A bearing, assembly or method according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region is located on the flange.

12. The bearing, assembly or method of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the outwardly conductive region or the inwardly conductive region exposes the substrate.

13. A bearing, assembly or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange has a multi-walled construction of at least 180 ° around the circumference of the bearing.

14. A bearing, assembly or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the flange is formed from the low friction material facing the outermost axial surface.

15. The bearing, assembly or method of any preceding claim, wherein the substrate is fully embedded in the low friction material such that the low friction material extends along at least a portion of the radially inner and outer surfaces of the substrate.